UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Being in New York City on Election Day

I could feel it in the air. Not the sudden wind chill of the looming Nor’easter, but the spirit of opportunity, the spirit of Election Day, the spirit of America.

Now that a month or so has passed, I have had the time to reflect on experiencing my first Election Day in New York City. It was kind of a big deal for me! On a whim, I decided to take a stroll down to Rockefeller Plaza and experience the area’s transformation into Democracy Plaza. “Hello America!” is all that can really be said. Flags were blowing in the wind, political analysts and camera crews were everywhere, and the map of the United States was painted on the ice! There were people everywhere but it was not a chaotic atmosphere. It seemed that everyone was truly in awe, just like me. As iconic and influential speeches of past Presidents were projected onto the side of the Plaza building, I felt present in a profound moment.

One where I, for the first time, understood the empowerment embedded within our ability to choose and vote as a people.

The atmosphere is one that I will never forget. As an LIM College student living in New York City, you will have the opportunity to be in a place surrounded by things that fascinate you, in many moments.

At LIM I have learned not only the concepts and subjects of my academic classes, but also how to embrace the intangibles in life—in a city where you will learn to observe, and be an engaged citizen. Bask in it! Trust me, your semesters of hard work will fly by, and you will marvel at the personal growth you have experienced.

So I know it has been a month since that day—Election Day—but the lessons I learned will remain with me for quite some time and hopefully with you too.

There is profound importance in our relationship with the society we are a part of. We must understand—how big is our self? What self are we talking about? Just me? Is this self my family? Is this self my community? Is this self my country?

Through all the noise, the shouting, the turmoil, there is one fact that remains safe and sound—our power as a people to make our voice heard. To listen, to learn, and to act.

And truly, many of your passions and interests are tied to politics and our government in some way. Even fashion transforms with the direction of our country, and the state of our people.